Indie Author Advent Day 18: Nicholas Young
Welcome to day 18 of the 2025 Indie Author Advent! This fun series will help us to get hyped for 2026 by celebrating some of the wonderful indie releases of 2025! Today I am interviewing Nicholas Young. Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!
Nicholas' 2025 Release
1. What is your favorite thing about your 2025 release?
"My favourite part of releasing Under the Covered Bridge has been connecting with readers around the world (literally!). Seeing people react to the story, share their emotions, build theories, and tell me which character they love the most has been overwhelming in the best way. Writing can feel lonely, but this book created a community I never expected."
2. What are your inspirations for your book?
"My biggest inspiration was my cousin Ricky. He was the first queer member of my family to come out, and he faced harsh judgement for it. He left Canada when he was still young, and when he returned, I hoped I would finally get the chance to ask him about his life, and be the family he and support he did not have growing up. I didn't. He passed away suddenly three years ago. I did not get the chance to hear his stories, so I wrote one for him. This book is my way of honouring him and giving him the life and love he deserved."
3. Why do you think representation is so important in books?
"Representation matters because our fight is not over. There are still protests against queer communities, even in countries that have legalized gay marriage. Rights that were once secure are being challenged and overruled. Queer stories let people see the truth of our lives. That we want to love who we love, and we want to be loved without conditions. Books can show the humanity behind labels and headlines, to let people have a real glimpse into our lives."
4. Any advice for people who want to publish in 2026?
"Market your book before launch. Let people into your process and your excitement. Perfection is not the goal. The quirks and imperfections in your book make it uniquely yours. Mistakes, page bleeds, or other issues can be fixed, it's okay, and those people get a rare copy of your book! Find your community on social media and talk to local bookstores. Build relationships. They matter significantly more than algorithms."
5. What are you most looking forward to in 2026? Any more releases on the horizon?
"I am looking forward to growing as an author and strengthening the small community I have built. I am currently writing a novel, shh, it's a secret, but more information will be released in the new year!!"
6. Is there anything else you would like to add?
"Only that I am grateful. For every reader who took a chance on a debut. For every message and review that reminded me why I wrote this book. For everyone sees a piece of themselves in Kaveh, Lukas, Chloe and even Niall. I struggled significantly with mental health this year, and writing Under the Covered Bridge healed me in ways I never expected, and I hope it offers even a small piece of that healing to someone else."
Outro
Thank you to Nicholas for getting involved in this advent! I am excited to see what they come out with in 2026. Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their releases!
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